The Championship serves up a few entertaining clashes. Let’s find out what round 17 holds in store
It’s back to basics this weekend after another rare weekend of international football. The EFL Championship has been unexpected and surprising to say the least, but definitely a memorable one with Wolves top of the pile and Sheffield United nipping at their heels.
Further down the table, surprise relegation-contenders Sunderland were one of the early-season favourites to claim the title, but the Black Cats now find themselves scrapping the bottom of the barrel for points. Let’s find out what round 17 holds instore.
Friday 17 November
Burton Albion 29/10 | Draw 24/10 | Sheffield United 17/20 (21:45)
Relegation-threatened Burton Albion returned to winning ways before the international break with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Millwall, ending a run three consecutive defeats and a further eight matches without a win. Sheffield United have been outstanding with 10 wins from their last 13 games. But their away form has been a bit of a worry with four wins and four losses, showing their lack of consistency. They are also winless against their opponents in the last five matches in all competitions. Get on the Burton Albion Win/Draw Double Chance at 8/10.
Preston 15/20 | Draw 5/2 | Bolton 34/10 (21:45)
Preston and Bolton will square off in the only other fixture scheduled for Friday evening. The hosts are without a win in their last six meetings, including four straight defeats. Bolton might be second bottom on the standings, but they have shown great fighting spirit in recent weeks. The Trotters are unbeaten in their last five matches with two wins and three draws. However, they are winless on the road and should struggle here. A tight contest is on the cards and a low-scoring affair is expected. The Totals – Under 2.5 Goals – is tipped at 15/20.
Saturday 18 November
QPR 33/20 | Draw 22/10 | Aston Villa 31/20 (17:00)
QPR will take on promotion-seekers Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. The R’s were hammered 4-0 at Nottingham Forrest last time out, while Aston Villa were edged 2-1 in front of their own fans by Sheffield Wednesday. The Villains won both meetings against QPR last term by a 1-0 scoreline. However, QPR have won back-to-back matches on home soil and will be confident coming into this encounter. The draw should be backed here.
Cardiff 11/10 | Draw 24/10 | Brentford 22/10 (17:00)
Cardiff City Stadium will be rocking on Saturday when the Bluebirds take on Brentford. The home side are unbeaten on their ground with five wins and three draws from eight matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding just four times. Brentford are unbeaten in their last eight games, including three wins on the spin. The last six meetings between the sides have seen both teams find the back of the net as well as Over 2.5 Goals. I like the look of the former with both teams tipped to score at 13/20.
Sunderland 12/10 | Draw 9/4 | Millwall 21/10 (17:00)
Basement-dwellers Sunderland have been dreadful this season with just one lousy win from 16 matches as they remain the only team in the league yet to claim a victory on home soil, suffering five defeats and three draws from eight games. Millwall have been poor of late with two losses on the bounce. They are yet to win on their travels, making this matchup all the more enticing. Both sides will be up for the task and with that being said, I’m expecting Both Teams to Score – Yes – at 15/20.
Reading 33/10 | Draw 49/20 | Wolves 8/10 (17:00)
Reading came good just before the break, earning back-to-back wins against Derby and Nottingham Forrest. Next up, is table-toppers Wolves, who have won 11 of their 16 matches and hold the best away record in the league this term. This might be a left field call but there might be a bit of value in this clash. Both teams will be looking to pick up where they left off and after a week’s break from club football, you can expect two rejuvenated clubs going at it for maximum points. Both Halves Over 1.5 Goals – Yes – is risky but a gamble worth taking at 47/10!
Norwich 7/10 | Draw 28/10 | Barnsley 33/10 (17:00)
Norwich would have been thankful for that international break after suffering three losses on the trot. Manager Daniel Farke should have taken the week to get his Canaries chirping again following a few poor displays from his team. Barnsley, on the other hand, had won back-to-back matches and will be hoping to build on that. However, Norwich have won the last six meetings at Carrow Road against the Tykes and with home advantage, they are tipped to make it seven in a row.
Birmingham 29/20 | Draw 23/10 | Nottingham 17/10 (17:00)
Relegation-battlers Birmingham have been terrible with 10 losses from 16 matches, scoring just eight goals and conceding 25 times. Nottingham have struggled to settle as they battle to maintain winning form. Although the Reds have been as unpredictable as it gets, they have won three of their last four matches. The Away Win/Draw Double Chance is tipped at 5/10.
Sheffield Wednesday 1/1 | Draw 24/10 | Bristol City 49/20 (17:00)
Sheffield Wednesday have been impressive of late with two wins on the bounce and they will look to add to that tally against Bristol City, who have won their last three matches and have the second best away record in the league. The last three head-to-heads have produced 14 goals between the two sides and another goal fest just might be on the menu. Get on the Over 2.5 Goals market at 17/20.
Hull City 1/1 | Draw 5/2 | Ipswich 24/10 (17:00)
Hull City have been dismal in recent weeks with three losses from their last four matches as well as losing back-to-back games at home. Ipswich have been terrible on the road with four losses from their last five matches. The Tigers are unbeaten against Ipswich in the last nine meetings in all competitions, including seven wins and two draws. The home win should be backed at even money.
Fulham 12/10 | Draw 24/10 | Derby 21/10 (19:30)
Fulham and Derby will go toe-to-toe in Saturday’s final contest. The Cottagers have managed just one win from their last 10 matches, while Derby have won four of their last five games, including back-to-back wins on the road. Looking at this one, the Rams should get up for the win based on current form and I’m expecting them to do just that.
Sunday 19 November
Leeds 18/10 | Draw 21/10 | Middlesbrough 15/10 (15:15)
Last but not least, Leeds will take on Middlesbrough at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon in what promises to be an entertaining clash. The Peacocks have been terrible in recent weeks with six losses from their last seven matches. Middlesbrough are undefeated in their last six travels, including back-to-back wins. However, the break would have done a world of good for Leeds and with home advantage it makes it even more difficult to choose a winner. I doubt there will be too many goals scored in this one. The Under 2.5 Goals market looks ripe for the taking at 6/10.
TREBLE @ 30/1
Preston vs Bolton Under 2.5 Goals 15/20
Reading vs Wolves Both Halves Over 1.5 Goals 47/10
Derby Win 21/10
